Michigan State basketball is making serious moves in the transfer portal, with its sights now set on a major new target. The Spartans have reportedly entered the mix for Cincinnati's highly-coveted center, Moustapha Thiam, adding another big name to their offseason recruitment board.

According to college basketball insider Jeff Goodman, Thiam is considering a who's who of elite programs. Michigan State finds itself in notable company, with the list including heavyweights like Duke, Kansas, UConn, Gonzaga, and Tennessee, among others. For a Spartans team looking to bolster its frontcourt, being in this conversation is a significant development.

Thiam's credentials are impressive. A 7-foot-2 force who started every game in his two seasons at Cincinnati, he averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game this past year. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is exactly what contending teams crave, explaining the intense national interest in his services.

This marks the first connection between Thiam and Michigan State, signaling the coaching staff is actively exploring all options to strengthen the roster. The pursuit likely hinges on the outcome with other targets, most notably Alabama transfer Aiden Sherrell. If the Spartans miss there, expect their focus on a dominant presence like Thiam to intensify, setting up a crucial recruiting battle as Tom Izzo looks to build a championship-caliber squad for the upcoming season.